Power Optimization Electronic Cigarette Device

ABSTRACT

A power optimization electronic cigarette device is configured to be reusable for a limited number of refills through use of an easily accessible liquid refilling structure, before ultimately becoming disposable. The electronic cigarette device takes advantage of multiple heating wires that can be selectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution. The selective use of one heating wire, from two or more heating wires serves to extend the life span thereof. A sensor detects the air flow generated from inhaling through the electronic cigarette and triggers the heating wires to generate heat while the electronic cigarette is in use. In another power optimization function, the electronic cigarette device comprises a circuit board that detects available power in a battery, and an illumination member that variably illuminates to indicate remaining battery power. The electronic cigarette also provides a USB charging port for recharging the battery.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

NONE.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to electronic cigarettes, andmore particularly relates to a power optimization electronic cigarettedevice. More so, the present disclosure relates to an electroniccigarette device that is reusable for a limited number of refillsthrough use of a liquid solution refilling structure, before ultimatelybecoming disposable. Still more particularly, the electronic cigarettedevice optimizes battery power consumption through use of multipleheating wires that can be selectively operated to vaporize the liquidsolution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present disclosure, or any embodimentsthereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Generally, an electronic cigarette (“e-cigarette”) is a smokingapparatus that mimics a traditional tobacco cigarette smoking, byproducing smoke replacement that may be similar in its physicalsensation, general appearance, and sometimes flavor (i.e., with tobaccofragrance, menthol taste, added nicotine etc.). A battery portion of theelectronic cigarette includes a controller and battery for powering thedevice and a cartomizer portion generates vapor and/or an aerosol mist(individually or collectively, “airborne substance”) that is areplacement for cigarette smoke, In particular, the cartomizer may useheat (e.g. a heating element), ultrasonic energy, or other means tovaporize, evaporate, and/or atomize a liquid solution or e-liquid (forexample including propylene glycol, or glycerin, for example includingtaste and fragrance ingredients) into an airborne substance that mixeswith air inhaled through the e-cigarette into a user's mouth.

Oftentimes, a component in the cartomizer portion that generates theairborne substance is referred to as an aerosol mist generator. Theelectronic cigarette may be powered by a power source, such as a batterywhich provides current for the heating. The power source may bedifficult to regulate and result in a shorter lifespan for theelectronic cigarette by requiring re-charging. The e-liquid may be keptin a small container, and during the puff some of it is heated whilebeing dose to and around a heating coil. The heated e-liquid loses itshigh viscosity, and then is prone to atomization and some evaporationand/or vaporization, generating the “smoke” to be inhaled by the user.It is known in the art that some electronic cigarettes are of thedisposable variety. Disposable electronic cigarettes are not used oncethe e-liquid is exhausted.

The problem with these electronic cigarettes is that they are notrefillable, and thus not reusable, even a small number of times. Someother electronic cigarettes are designed to be reusable and last for along time. However, they are much more expensive than disposablee-cigarettes. Furthermore, the prior art electronic cigarettes do nothave switchable heating elements and a light-emitting diode (“LED”)illumination that indicates power capacity of the battery. Even thoughthe above cited electronic cigarettes meet some of the needs of themarket, a power optimization electronic cigarette device that isreusable for a limited number of smokes through use of a liquid solutionrefilling structure, before ultimately becoming disposable; optimizesbattery power consumption through use of multiple heating wires that canbe selectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution; and includes asensor that detects air flow from inhaling the cigarette beforetriggering operation of the heating wires, a circuit board assembly thatdetects available battery power through use of a sensor and alerts to anillumination member that variably illuminates to indicate the remainingpower for the battery, and a USB charging port is still desired.

Accordingly, there is a need for a new type of e-cigarettes that arerefillable with e-liquid and become disposable after a small number ofrefills. The new type of e-cigarettes is less costly to consumers andalso reduces electronic waste compared to single-use disposablee-cigarettes. Furthermore, there is a need for a new type ofe-cigarettes that are reusable and disposable and include switchableheating elements. In addition, there is a need for a new type ofe-cigarettes that are reusable and disposable and include switchableheating elements and an LED indicator.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic cigarette devicecomprises a mouthpiece, a housing, and an electrical system. Themouthpiece is disposed at a proximal end of the device and defines amouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece airpassageway and outlet opening being adapted and configured to allow aninhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through themouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's mouth viathe outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through theoutlet opening. The housing defines a housing air passageway extendingtherethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communicationwith the mouthpiece air passageway. The electrical system comprises abattery, a heating wire, and at least one illumination member. Theheating wire is adapted and configured to produce heat when an electriccurrent flows through the heating wire. The electrical system is adaptedand configured to detect a charge level of the battery, and, when thedevice is in use, to transmit electric current from the battery to theheating wire to cause the heating wire to produce heat to heat asubstance that is in fluid communication with the housing airpassageway, so as to render airborne at least a portion of thesubstance, so as to produce said inhalable stream in the housing airpassageway. The electrical system is adapted and configured to, when thedetected charge level is no less than a first threshold charge level,transmit current from the battery to the at least one illuminationmember so as to cause the at least one illumination member to emit afirst color of light. The electrical system is adapted and configuredto, when the detected charge level is less than the first thresholdcharge level and no less than a second threshold charge level, transmitcurrent from the battery to the at least one illumination member so asto cause the at least one illumination member to emit a second color oflight different from the first color of light.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic cigarettedevice comprises a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the device, ahousing, a battery, a first heating wire, a second heating wire, aswitch, and a manual switch actuator. The mouthpiece is disposed at aproximal end of the device and defines a mouthpiece air passageway andan outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet openingbeing adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and anairborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece airpassageway and into a user's oral cavity via the outlet opening when auser inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening. The housingdefines a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing airpassageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece airpassageway. The first heating wire is adapted and configured to produceheat when electric current flows through the first heating wire, to heata substance that is in fluid communication with the housing airpassageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heatedbecomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing airpassageway. The second heating wire is adapted and configured to produceheat when electric current flows through the second heating wire, toheat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing airpassageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heatedbecomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing airpassageway. The switch has a first switch position and a second switchposition, the switch being adapted and configured to, when in the firstswitch position, complete a first circuit to transmit current from thebattery through the first heating wire, and when in the second switchposition, complete a second circuit to transmit current from the batterythrough the second heating wire. The manual switch actuator is mountedto the housing so as to be manually movable by a user to and from afirst switch actuator position and a second switch actuator position.The manual switch actuator is operatively connected to the switch so asto cause the switch to move to the first switch position when the manualswitch actuator moves to the first switch actuator position and to causethe switch to move to the second switch position when the manual switchactuator moves to the second switch actuator position.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic cigarettedevice comprises a mouthpiece, a housing, a liquid container, a heatingwire, a rechargeable battery, and a battery charging port. Themouthpiece is disposed at a proximal end of the device and defines amouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece airpassageway and outlet opening adapted and configured to allow aninhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through themouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's oralcavity via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiecethrough the outlet opening. The housing has a proximal end and a distalend, the housing comprising a proximal housing member connected to adistal housing member, the proximal housing member extending from theproximal end of the housing to the distal housing member, and the distalhousing member extending from the proximal housing member to the distalend of the housing, the housing defining a housing air passagewayextending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluidcommunication with the mouthpiece air passageway. The liquid containerdefines a fluid chamber adapted and configured to contain an e-liquid,the liquid container defining at least one inlet hole in fluidcommunication with the fluid chamber and the housing air passageway topermit e-liquid in the fluid chamber to pass from the fluid chamber tothe housing air passageway, the liquid container comprising at least aportion of the proximal housing member. The heating wire is adapted andconfigured to produce heat when electric current flows through theheating wire. The rechargeable battery is adapted and configured tosupply current to the heating wire to heat a substance that is in fluidcommunication with the housing air passageway, so that at least aportion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce saidinhalable stream in the housing air passageway. The battery chargingport is disposed within and exposed to the exterior of the housing, thebattery charging port being adapted and configured to receive a chargingplug, the battery charging port being electrically connected to thebattery to transmit a charging current from the charging plug to thebattery to recharge the battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this disclosure will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and themanner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood byreferring to the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of an exemplary power optimization electroniccigarette device, in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a sectioned side view of the power optimization electroniccigarette device shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2B is a sectioned proximal-side view of the power optimizationelectronic cigarette device shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a power optimization electronic cigarettedevice, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C are views of an exemplary housing of a power optimizationelectronic cigarette device, where FIG. 4A is a perspective view, FIG.4B is a side elevation view, and FIG. 4C is a side sectioned view, inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5C are views of an exemplary mouthpiece of a power optimizationelectronic cigarette device, where FIG. 5A is a perspective view, FIG.5B is a side elevation view, and FIG. 5C is a frontal view, inaccordance with the present disclosure,

FIGS. 6A-6B are views of an exemplary inlet rod of a power optimizationelectronic cigarette device, where FIG. 6A is a perspective view andFIG. 6B is a sectioned side view, in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective views of an exemplary wicking member of a poweroptimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8B are views of an exemplary proximal connector of a poweroptimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 8A is a perspectiveview, and FIG. 8B is a proximal plan view, in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary battery of a poweroptimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10C are views of an exemplary heating wire subassembly of apower optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 10A is aperspective view, FIG. 10B is a side elevation view, and FIG. 10C is afrontal view, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10D is a view of an electrical system of a power optimizationelectronic cigarette device, shown without device housing or airflowcomponents.

FIG. 10E is a view of the heating wire subassemblies of the electricalsystem shown in FIG. 10D.

FIG. 10F is a schematic diagram of the connectivity of the electricalsystem shown in FIG. 10D.

FIGS. 11A-11B are views of an exemplary insulative wire support tube ofa power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 11A is aperspective view, and FIG. 11B is a side elevation view, in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary silica gel O-ring of apower optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 13A-13D are views of an exemplary silica gel inlet seal of a poweroptimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 13A is aperspective view, FIG. 13B is a distal end view, FIG. 13C is an elevatedside view, and FIG. 13D is a sectioned side view, in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary switch circuit board andUSB port of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a sensor and light board in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sensor and light board in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary switch of a poweroptimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18A-18D are views of an exemplary stationary cover member of adistal cover of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 18A is a distal perspective view, FIG. 18B is a proximal plan view,FIG. 18C is a distal plan view, and FIG. 18D is a side elevation view.in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 19A-19D are views of an exemplary rotatable cover member of adistal cover of power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 19A is a perspective view, FIG. 19B is a proximal plan view, FIG.19C is a side elevation view, and FIG. 19D is a bottom view, inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal connector of apower optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 21A-21C are views of an exemplary outlet seal of a poweroptimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 21A is aperspective view, FIG. 21B is a side elevation view, and FIG. 21C is asectioned side view, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 22A-223 are views of an exemplary insulative silica gel stationaryseal of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 22Ais a perspective view, and FIG. 22B is a side elevation view, inaccordance with the present disclosure.

A person of ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that elements ofthe figures above are illustrated for simplicity and clarity, and arenot necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of some elements in thefigures may have been exaggerated relative to other elements to helpunderstanding of the present teachings. Furthermore, a particular orderin which certain elements, parts, components, modules, steps, actions,events and/or processes are described or illustrated may not be actuallyrequired. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that,for the purpose of simplicity and clarity of illustration, some commonlyknown and well-understood elements that are useful and/or necessary in acommercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to providea clear view of various embodiments in accordance with the presentteachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, unless otherwiseclearly stated, the terms “upper” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,”“front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relateto the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is nointention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented inthe preceding technical field, background, brief summary or thefollowing detailed description. It is also to be understood that thespecific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, anddescribed in the following specification, are simply exemplaryembodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered aslimiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A power optimization electronic cigarette device 100 is referenced inFIGS. 1-22B. The device 100 includes heating wires 300 a-b, shown inFIGS. 3 and 10D, which can be selectively operated to vaporize and/oratomize the liquid solution 212 into an inhalable mist. The connectivityof an electrical system 150 which is adapted to be housed within ahousing 102 of the assembled device 100, is best seen in FIG. 101 , inwhich the electrical system is shown without the housing 102. Inparticular, a positive terminal of a battery 222 is electricallyconnected to a sensor and light circuit board 1504 of a sensor and lightboard assembly 306 through a system supply wire 220. The sensor andlight circuit board 1504, in turn, is electrically connected to thebattery 222 through the system supply wire 220, and to a switch circuitboard 224 of a switch board assembly 305 through a plurality oftransmission wires 230, which are collectively indicated at 230 in eachof FIGS. 2A, 10D-F, 15, and 16 and further identified in FIG. 10F as aswitch board supply wire 232 and heating current supply wires 234 a and234 b.

The electronic cigarette device 100 further includes an air pressuresensor/switch 1503, comprising an air pressure sensor and an electricalswitch, the air pressure sensor being operatively connected to theswitch so as to cause the switch to close or remain closed when the airpressure sensor detects pressure below a threshold air pressure, and toopen or remain open when the air pressure sensor detects pressure at orabove the threshold air pressure. The air pressure sensor/switch 1503 isoperatively connected to the sensor and light circuit board 1504 toalternately connect and disconnect the system supply wire 220 to andfrom the switch board supply wire 232. Thus, only when the air pressuresensor/switch 1503 detects a pressure drop associated with a userdrawing air through device 100, the air pressure sensor/switch 1503 willdose, thus completing a circuit and allowing current to be transmittedfrom the sensor and light circuit board 1504 to the switch circuit board224 through the switch board supply wire 232. The switch board supplywire 232, depicted schematically in FIG, 10F, comprises at least one ofa plurality of transmission wires 230 connected between the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 and the switch circuit board 224, shown inFIGS. 2A, 10D, and 10E. The switch circuit board 224 is adapted andconfigured to feed the received current back to the sensor and lightcircuit board 1504 through a heating current supply wire 234 a or 234 b,comprising two of the transmission wires 230, specifically identified inthe schematic circuit diagram of FIG. 10F, which respectively correspondto a selected one of the heating wires 300 a-b. The sensor and lightcircuit board 1504 is adapted and configured to further direct thereceived current through a respective one of two heating lead wires 225a and 225 b, which is connected to (or in an alternative embodiment notshown, constitutes a portion of) a respective one of heating wires 300a-b, as shown in FIG. 10D, to direct current therethrough and therebygenerate heat. Allowing a user to switch to the other heating wire afterone is worn out is believed to increase the useful lifespan of thedevice 100, while also reducing power consumption.

The device 100 also includes a mouthpiece 108, shown in FIG. 5A. As seenin FIG. 2A, the mouthpiece 108 detachably attaches to a container 210via a mouthpiece connector 110, which may, for example, be a threadedconnector. The mouthpiece 108 is the portion of the device that a usercan insert into her/his mouth during the inhalation of the atomizedliquid solution 212. The mouthpiece 108 defines a mouthpiece airpassageway 502 running therethrough from a proximal mouthpiece opening503 to a distal mouthpiece opening 504, which serves to enable passageof air through the housing 102 as air is drawn in by the smoker. In onealternative embodiment, the amount and speed of air flow permitted intothe atomizer is adjustable through a size adjustable mouthpiece airpassageway.

Additionally, the device 100 provides a visual indicator of the level ofthe power capacity of the battery 222, or other power source usedtherein. At least one illumination member 1502 illuminates with variablecolors, intensities, and patterns to indicate the remaining batterypower. Additional functionalities provided by the device 100 may includean integrated USB port 1400 for charging the battery 222, as shownmounted to the proximal side of the switch circuit board 224 in FIGS. 3and 14 .

The device 100 is reusable for a limited number of refills of the liquidsolution 212, before ultimately becoming disposable. This is possibledue to the location and accessibility of a liquid solution container210. The liquid solution container 210 is defined at least in part by atleast a portion of a proximal housing member 101 of the housing 102 andat least a portion of an inlet tube 208. The proximal housing member 101may be permanently connected to a distal housing member 103, whichhouses the battery 222 and the switch and sensor and light boardassemblies 305, 306. The liquid solution container 210 has a cylindricalouter sidewall 217 and an annular distal end wall 219 formed by portionsof the proximal housing member 101 the annular distal end wall 219 beingconnected to and extending radially inwardly from the cylindrical outersidewall 217 and circumscribing a hole 221. Preferably, the proximalhousing member 101 is transparent, at least over the portions of theproximal housing member 101 that comprise the outer sidewall 217 anddistal end wall 219 of the liquid solution container 210, so that alevel of liquid solution, as well as the color of light from a batterypower capacity level indicator light (illumination member 1502,described further below), are discernible through portions of theproximal housing member 101 to a person of normal, unaided vision. Forexample, at least portions, or the entirety of the proximal housingmember 101 may be formed of borosilicate glass. In this manner, a usercan readily see when the liquid solution 212 is low and ready to bereplenished, thereby creating a more consistent and optimal atomization,promoting a mist that offers a full flavor. In one embodiment, theliquid solution 212 may include an e-liquid having a mixture ofpropylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings.

The hole 221 in the proximal housing member 101 is adapted to receivethe inlet tube 208. In the assembled device 100, a proximal portion 602a of the inlet tube 208 is inserted through the hole 221 so that adistal portion 602 b of the inlet tube 208 abuts a distal side of thedistal end wall 219. A portion of the inlet tube 208 thus comprises acylindrical inner sidewall 223 of the container 210 that is generallycoaxial with and spaced radially inwardly of the outer sidewall 217 ofthe container 210. An annular fluid chamber 213 is thus defined bycontainer 210, the fluid chamber 213 extending radially from the outersidewall 217 to the inner sidewall 223 and longitudinally from distalend wall 219 to an annular container opening 226, shown in FIG. 2A, thatextends radially from a proximal end of at least one of the outersidewall 217 and the inner sidewall 223 to the other wall. When themouthpiece 108 is attached to the container 210, the mouthpiececonnector 110 covers the container opening 226, such that the fluidchamber 213 can be exposed by detaching the mouthpiece connector 110from the container 210 and removing the mouthpiece 108 and mouthpiececonnector 110 from the container 210. Thereafter, the liquid solution212, such as an e-liquid, can be introduced into the fluid chamber 213of the liquid solution container 210.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the device 100 comprises an elongated housing 102,having a generally uniformly circular cylindrical outer surface, whichserves as the protective cover that contains the components. Inalternative embodiments, an elongated rectangular, triangular, orirregular outer surface may also be used. The outer surface of thehousing 102 also serves as a gripping surface, such that the device 100can be held, manipulated, and smoked. Turning now to FIG. 4A, thehousing 102 includes a distal housing member 103 providing asubstantially rigid sidewall 104 that defines a cavity 400, The sidewall104 extends between a proximal end 106 c and an opposing distal end atthe distal end 106 b of the housing 102. FIGS. 4B-4C are side views andsectional views, respectively of the distal housing member 103. Thedistal housing member 103 is operatively coupled to the proximal housingmember 101 via, for example, a permanent interference fit connection.Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a distal skirt 105 of theproximal housing member 101 is inserted into a proximal end of thedistal housing member 103 to form a permanent interference fit when thedevice 100 is assembled. Alternatively, the distal housing member 103may be detachably connected to the proximal housing member 101, such asby a threaded or otherwise detachable connection.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the housing 102 is defined by a tubularshape. The tubular shape of the housing 102 is dimensioned approximatelylike a standard cigarette—between 70-120 mm long. The housing 102 mayalso be constructed from stainless steel, including SUS304 steel.However, in other embodiments, other metal or polymer material may alsobe used. The cavity 400 is sized and dimensioned to enable passage ofair flow from the distal end 106 b to the proximal end 106 a.

In one implementation, the mouthpiece 108 includes a pair of concavesidewalls joined at a wide end 500 a to form an opening 504, and joinedat a narrow end 500 b to form the mouthpiece air passageway 502. Airflow and mist from the atomized liquid solution freely pass through theopening 504 and the mouthpiece air passageway 502. Specifically, thestructure of the mouthpiece 108 is configured to enable the lips topurse while sucking/inhaling through the mouthpiece air passageway 502.This configuration is sized to fit comfortably into the mouth of thesmoker, and allow for sucking and inhaling motions by the lips, i.e.smoking articulations by the mouth.

Turning to FIG. 21A, the device 100 can also provide an outlet seal 216disposed between the wide end 500 a of the mouthpiece 108 and theproximal, outlet end of the inlet tube 208. The outlet seal 216 isconfigured to enable more efficient air flow, and prevent seepage of theliquid solution 212 from the mouthpiece 108 (See FIG. 21A). As FIGS.21B-21C show, the outlet seal 216 has a wide base 2100, and a narrowtube 2102 that fits into the proximal end of the inlet tube 208 anddefines an outlet seal air passageway 2103 in fluid communication withthe mouthpiece air passageway 502 and with a heating wire support pipeair passageway 203, described further below.

However, variously shaped and constructed sealing components may also beused between any combination of the discussed components to preventleakage of liquid solution 212, and to create a tighter cavity for theair flow. Furthermore, in order to assist the user in a comfortablesmoking experience, the mouthpiece 108 may be fabricated from a plasticresin material configured to help inhibit high temperatures. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the plastic resin material comprises acyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate glycol.

As mentioned above, the annular fill opening 226 of the fluid chamber213 is exposed after the mouthpiece connector 110 is detached from theinlet tube 208. Liquid solution 212 can then be introduced into thefluid chamber 213 through the annular fill opening 226. As illustratedin FIGS. 2A and 2B, the proximal portion 602 a of the inlet tube 208extends along the length of the liquid solution container 210 andcomprises its inner sidewall 223, the fluid chamber 213 thus beingformed between the inlet tube 208 and portions of the proximal housingmember 101 that comprise the outer sidewall 217 and distal end wall 219of the container 210. A sectioned view of the inlet tube 208 is shown inFIG. 6B, with the narrow proximal portion 602 a and the wide distalportion 602 b together defining a continuous inlet tube volume 600 thatextends longitudinally through both portions. As illustrated in FIG. 2A,the distal portion 602 b comprises a flange that abuts a distal side ofthe distal end wall 219 of the container 210 when the device 100 isassembled. The inlet tube 208 further incorporates a set of inlet holes214. The inlet holes 214 allow the liquid solution 212 to flow into theinlet tube volume 600. In one implementation, the inlet tube 208 is madeof copper. In other embodiments, other materials may be used forfabrication of the inlet tube 208.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the device 100 utilizes a wicking member 204 forregulating the flow of the liquid solution 212. The wicking member 204is disposed inside the inlet tube 208 and absorbs the liquid solution212 that has flown into the inlet tube 208 through the inlet holes 214.The wicking member 204 is configured to absorb some amount of the liquidsolution 212, prior to atomization thereof. The wicking member 204 is inthe form of a sleeve having a longitudinal through hole 702.

For enhanced connectivity of the structure, as shown in FIG. 8A , aproximal connector 110 is provided to detachably connect the mouthpiece108 and the inlet tube 208. The proximal connector 110 has a threadedinner surface 800 and an outer gripping surface 802, as shown in FIG.8A. The outer gripping surface 802 may optionally be ribbed (not shown),to facilitate gripping and turning the proximal connector 110 to attachand detach it from the inlet tube 208. In one non-limiting embodiment,the proximal connector 110 comprises a copper material and anelectroplated surface. However, in alternative embodiments, othermaterials and connecting features are possible.

As illustrated in HG. 9, the device 100 provides a battery 222 that isoperatively disposed in the cavity of the housing 102. The battery 222is configured to generate electrical power for heating the heating wires300 a-b, and powering components, such as the sensor and various circuitboards, described below. The battery 222 is replaceable and, in someembodiments, rechargeable. In one non-limiting embodiment, the battery222 is operable for about 850 milliamp hours (mAh). In otherembodiments, the battery 222 is a coin battery 222. However, anyinternal or external power source may also be used.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the device 100 includes heating wire subassemblies206 a-b for atomizing the liquid solution 212. As described here, theheating wire subassemblies 206 a-b are supported by an insulativeheating wire support pipe 202, the heating wire support pipe defining aheating wire support pipe air passageway 203 extending longitudinallytherethrough, in fluid communication with the outlet seal air passageway2103, described previously, and with an inlet seal air outlet passageway201, described further below. Each heating wire subassembly 206 a-bincludes a respective heating wire 300 a-b wound around a respectivesupport pin 207 a-b to form a respective heating coil 301 a-b, asillustrated in FIG. 10A for heating wire subassembly 206 a. The twosupport pins 207 a-b are supported in respective guide holes 209 a-bformed in an heating wire support pipe 202, the guide holes 209 a-bbeing oriented so that the heating coils 301 a-b are disposedperpendicular to each other when the support pins 207 a-b are supportedtherein, each heating coil 301 a-b being disposed at least substantiallywithin the heating wire support pipe air passageway 203 (see FIG. 11A),to allow heat from the heating coil 301 a-b to render airborne, such asby vaporization or atomization, an inhalable substance to produce aninhalable stream of air and the airborne substance within the heatingwire support pipe air passageway 203 The heating wire support pipe 202further includes wire guide channels 215 a-b formed on its peripheralsurface, The heating wire subassemblies 206 a-b are configured to havetheir respective heating wires 300 a-b alternately energized, so thatthe heating coils 301 a-b alternately heat the liquid solution 212 foratomization. Each heating wire subassembly 206 a-b is operativelyconnected to the battery 222, receiving electrical power, or current,which is selectively directed through the heating wires 300 a-b, therebygenerating heat in the respective heating coils 301 a-b, due to theelectrical resistance of the material of the heating wires 300 a-b.

In one embodiment, shown in HG. 10E, each heating wire subassembly 206 aoperatively connects to a respective one of two cathode posts 211 a-b ofthe sensor and light circuit board 1504, through a permanent connectionof the respective heating lead wires 225 a-b to respective cathode posts211 a-b, and a permanent connection of the respective heating wires 300a-b to the respective heating lead wires 225 a-b. When a respectivecathode post 211 a-b is energized with current, the current is directedthrough the respective heating wire 300 a-b to a common ground wire 236,shown in FIGS. 10D-E and depicted schematically in FIG. 10F. The heatingwires 300 a-b have electrical resistance, so that heat is generated whenelectric current flows through the respective heating coils 301 a-b.This heat in turn generates vapor and/or mist from the e-liquid.

Each heating wire support pin 207 a-b is, at least partially, wrappedwith a wicking material 218, such as cotton, as shown in FIGS. 10D-E.The wicking material 218 is used to wick the liquid solution 212 fromthe wicking member 204, through the respective guide holes 209 a-b, andinto the heating wire support pipe air passageway 203, to be heated bythe respective heating coil 301 a-b and thus rendered airborne (such asby being vaporized or atomized) to be carried in an inhalation air flowalong an air flow path P shown in FIG. 2B. In one embodiment, the twoheating wires 300 a-b are supported on the insulative wire supportheating wire support pipe 202, with the heating wires 300 a-b beingseated in a respective one of wire guide channels 215 a-b. The wireguide channels 215 a-b may have such orientations as may be convenientfor guiding wires 300 a-b away from respective guide holes 209 a-b. Inone implementation, the heating wire support pipe 202 is made of whitefiberglass, whose conductive thermal resistance serves to insulate thesurrounding air, liquid solution, and device components from the heat ofthe energized heating coil 301 a or 301 b.

The heat from the heating wires 300 a-b is sufficient to atomize theliquid solution 212 into a mist. In one non-limiting embodiment, theheating wires 300 a-b comprise a nickel-chromium alloy material, It isthe electrical power from the battery 222 that actuates the heatingwires 300 a-b to generate heat, In one embodiment, only one heating wire300 a, 300 b is selected to be electronically connected with the battery222 and be heated until it is worn out and can no longer generatesufficient heat for atomizing the e-liquid. Then, the other heating wire300 a, 300 b is electrically connected to the battery 222. Dual heatingelements, embodied as heating wires 300 a-b, extend the life span of thedevice 100, and thus avoid the immediate disposal of the device 100 whenone heating element reaches the end of its life.

The heating wire support pipe 202 is further illustrated in FIGS. 11A-B.The heating wire support pipe 202 is utilized for carrying and orientingthe first and second heating wires 300 a, 300 b. The insulative wiresupport heating wire support pipe 202 is disposed longitudinally insidethe channel 702 of the wicking member 204 and makes contact with thesurface of the channel 702. The insulative wire support heating wiresupport pipe 202 is made of white fiberglass material. The fiberglassmaterial is known in the art to withstand and insulate against the hightemperatures resulting from the heat generated by the heating coils 301a-b.

To prevent leakage of the liquid solution 212 between the components,the device 100 provides various silica gel seals, For example,illustrated in FIG. 12 is an O-ring seal 302, at least one of which isdisposed between the inlet tube 208 and the container 210, as shown inFIG. 2A. The O-ring seal 302 is configured to help prevent leakage ofthe liquid solution 212.

Yet another seal structure is an inlet seal 200, shown in FIG. 13 . Asillustrated in FIG. 2 , inlet seal 200 that is disposed adjacently tothe first O-ring seal 302. The inlet seal 200 is configured to helpprevent leakage of the liquid solution 212 from the wicking member 204.The inlet seal 200 may define at least one air flow passageway. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 13C, the inlet seal 200 defines at leastone inlet seal air inlet passageway 1300 that is configured to permitpassage of air flow from the cavity 400 into the inlet seal 200, along aportion of an inhalation air flow path P, illustrated in FIG. 2B, whichextends from the distal end 106 b of the housing 102 to the proximal end106 a of the housing 102. The size of the inlet seal air inletpassageways 1300 helps regulate the amount of air flow through thedevice 100. FIG. 13D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of anexemplary inlet seal 200 having a generally cone-shaped distal head 1302and a proximal stem 1304, the distal head 1302 having a narrow distalend 1303 and a wide proximal end 1305, and the proximal stern 1304 beinggenerally coaxial with and extending proximally from the proximal end1305 of the distal head 1302. The at least one seal passageway 1300extends generally radially inwardly from an outer periphery of thecone-shaped distal head 1305 to meet an inlet seal air outlet passageway201, significantly larger in diameter than the inlet seal air inletpassageway 1300. The inlet seal air outlet passageway 201, in turn, isin fluid communication with the heating wire support pipe air passageway203. to permit air to flow from the interior of the distal housingmember 103 through seal passageway 1300 to the inlet seal air outletpassageway 201, and from the inlet seal air outlet passageway 201 to theheating wire support pipe air passageway 203 when a user inhales throughthe mouthpiece 108. In addition, the inlet seal 200 comprises wirechannels 1301 (four are included, as seen in FIG. allowing for twoalternate orientations of the inlet seal 200) to permit the respectiveheating lead wires 225 a-b to extend therethrough from the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 to connect to the respective heating wires 300a-b. In one embodiment, the O-ring seal 302 and the inlet seal 200comprise a silica gel material that is configured to withstand hightemperatures. However, other materials may also be used in otherembodiments.

Turning now to FIG. 22A, the device 100 further includes a sensor andlight board seal 304. The sensor and light board seal 304 has adisc-like shape, with flexible ribs 2200 at the periphery to create aseal with the inner surface of the distal housing sidewall 104, an innercircumferential groove 2202 shaped to retain the sensor and lightcircuit board 1504, and a plurality of longitudinal sensor and lightboard seal air passageways 2204, spaced radially outwardly and about thecircumference of the inner circumferential groove 2202, to permit aninhalation air flow to pass around the sensor and light circuit board1504, through the sensor and light board seal 304, for example along theair flow path P, shown in FIG. 2B, which passes through one of the airpassageways 2204. Variously shaped and constructed sealing componentsmay also be used between any combination of the discussed components toprevent leakage of liquid solution 212, and to create a tighter cavityfor the air flow.

The device 100 also includes a USB port 1400, which is mounted to theproximal side of the switch circuit board 224 and adapted to beconnected with a USB cable. The USB port 1400 is at least partiallyexposed to the exterior of the housing 102, such as through an opening107 in the distal housing member 103, as depicted in FIG. 3 , such thatdocking a cable thereto is facilitated.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the device 100 also provides the unique featureof an integrated sensor and light board assembly 306. The sensor andlight board assembly 306 is a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”)that is disposed in the cavity of the housing 102. The sensor and lightboard assembly 306 includes a sensor and light circuit board 1504 (aprinted circuit board or “PCB”), a battery power capacity levelindicator illumination member 1502 (such as an LED), and an air pressuresensor/switch 1503. The sensor and light circuit board 1504 iselectronically coupled to the battery 222. The pressure sensor/switch1503 is adapted to respond to a pressure change caused by airflow thatenters the housing 102 through a distal cover 111. The sensor and lightcircuit board 1504 being configured to sense or otherwise detect (suchas by tracking battery output over time to calculate used powercapacity) a level of remaining power capacity of the battery 222. Basedon the remaining power capacity level of the battery (i.e., theremaining electrical energy that the battery has the capacity toprovide, as may be expressed as a percentage of its fully chargedcapacity, which may also be referred to herein as “charge level”), theillumination member 1502 is turned on in different colors, to directdifferently colored light toward the distal end wall 219 of thecontainer 210, In one implementation, when the charge level of thebattery 222 is over, for example, 50%, the illumination member 1502illuminates in green color. When the charge level of the battery 222 isbetween, for example, 25% and 50%, the color is yellow or amber. Whenthe charge level of the battery 222 is below, for example, 25%, theillumination member 1502 illuminates in red. Alternatively, the sensorand light circuit board 1504 incorporates multiple illumination members1502 (e.g., separate LEDs), each of which is configured to illuminate ina single color, the circuit board 1504 comprising logic to directcurrent to a selected LED according to the detected charge level of thebattery 222. The color of the light is visible to the user since atleast the portion of the proximal housing member 101 that comprises theouter sidewall 217 and the distal end wall 219 of the container 210 istransparent. Thus, light from the illumination member 1502 may furtherproduce an appealing visual effect by shining through and illuminatingliquid solution 212 present in the fluid chamber 213. A perspective viewof the sensor and light board assembly 306 is illustrated in FIG. 16 .

To switch between the heating wires 300 a-b for heating the liquidsolution 212, the device 100 includes the switch board assembly 305,which comprises a switch 1700 mounted on a switch circuit board 224, asshown in the exploded view of device 100 of FIG. 3 . Switch 1700 is alsodepicted separately in FIG. 17 . In an embodiment, the switch circuitboard 224 is a PCB. As previously explained, the switch circuit board224 is configured to direct current to a selected one of the heatingwires 300 a-b.

The previously introduced distal cover 111 attaches to the distal end106 b of the housing 102 (See FIGS. 1-3, 17-18C). The distal cover 111is operative to allow a user to control the selective engagement of theheating wires 300 a-b with the power supply. The distal cover 111comprises a stationary cover member 112 and a rotatable cover member 114that rotatably attaches to a distal side of the stationary cover member112. The rotatable cover member 114 further comprises a textured panel1904, which forms a distal end of the assembled device 100 and may lookand feel similar to the terminus of a standard tobacco cigarette (FIG.19D). The textured panel 1904 thus provides a realistic look and feel tothe distal end of the electronic cigarette device 100. In oneembodiment, the rotatable cover member 114 comprises a plastic resinmaterial configured to resist high temperatures.

The stationary cover member 112 has a generally hollow cylindrical shapeand includes a proximal section 1800, a distal section 1802, and amidsection 1807 formed between the proximal section 1800 and the distalsection 1802. An outer surface of the proximal section 1800 is adaptedand configured to fixedly insert into the distal end 106 b of thehousing 102, and an inner surface of the proximal section 1800 isadapted and configured to surround the periphery of the switch circuitboard 224 so as to prevent the switch circuit board 224 from rotatingaxially when mounted in the interior of the proximal section 1800.

while the rotatable cover member 114 is adapted and configured toconnect rotate in a first direction and a second direction relative tothe stationary cover member 112. In addition, the rotatable cover member114 is operatively connected to a rotatable switch member 1702 of theswitch 1700 by a protrusion 116 that engages a slot 1704 of therotatable switch member 1702. Thus, manual rotation of the rotatablecover member 114 rotates the switch 1700 (or a rotatable componentthereof) relative to the switch circuit board, so as to actuate theswitch 1700 to trigger the switch circuit board 224.

The rotatable cover member 114 and the stationary cover member 112include certain complementary features to facilitate their connectionand limited relative rotation. In particular, the rotatable coverincludes a cylindrical inner wall 1902 that extends proximally from aproximal side of the textured panel 1904, and the stationary covermember 112 includes a generally annular distal section 1802 into whichthe inner wall 1902 inserts axially to axially align the stationary androtatable cover members 112, 114. In addition, the rotatable covermember 114 includes a stop 1903 that engages a circumferential stopchannel 1803 formed in a distal section 1802 of the stationary covermember 112, so as to permit the stop 1903 to move circumferentiallyalong the stop channel 1803, from a first switch actuator positionabutting a first end 1804 to a second switch actuator position abuttinga second end 1805 of the stop channel, as the rotatable cover member 114rotates. The abutment of the stop 1903 against the first and second stopchannel ends 1804, 1805 prevents the stop 1903 from moving beyond thecircumferential span of the stop channel, thus preventing the rotatablecover member 114 from rotating beyond the extremes of an angular rangeof rotation,

In particular, when the rotatable cover member 114 rotates in the firstdirection until the stop 1903 abuts one of the stop channel ends 1804,1805, the rotatable switch member 1702 reaches a first switch positionthat triggers the switch circuit board 224 to return current to thesensor and light circuit board 1504 through a heating current supplywire 234 a corresponding to the heating wire 300 a, thereby causingelectric current to flow through heating wire 300 a to generate heat inheating coil 301 a. When the rotatable cover member 114 and rotatableswitch member 1702 rotate in the second direction until the stop 1903abuts the other of the stop channel ends 1804, 1805, the rotatableswitch member 1702 reaches a second switch position that analogouslytriggers the switch circuit board 224 to return current to the sensorand light circuit board 1504 through a heating current supply wire 234 bthat corresponds to the heating wire 300 b, so as to be directed to theheating wire 300 b, so that heat is generated in heating coil 301 b.Abutment of the stop 1903 against the first or second stop channel end1804, 1805 provides a tactile indication to the user that the switch1700 is in the corresponding first or second switch position, as theuser can feel that the rotatable cover member 114 cannot rotate anyfarther. It will be understood that it is possible to achieve the sameor equivalent switching functionality by way of other switch and circuitdesigns, and such other switch and circuit designs are within the spiritand scope of the present disclosure.

In addition, at least one air inlet notch 1806 is formed in a proximalsection 1800 of the stationary cover member 112. The air inlet notch1806 is sized and dimensioned to enable entry of air into the distal end106 b of the housing 102, whereby air drawn through the air opening ofthe mouthpiece 108 and the air inlet notch 1806 of the stationary covermember 112 generates the air flow. In one alternative embodiment, theamount and speed of air flow permitted into the atomizer is adjustablethrough the air inlet notch 1806, which can be size adjusted.

In the assembled device 100, a metallic ring 308 (shown separately inFIG. 20 ) is disposed adjacent to a distal side of the switch circuitboard 224 and retained within and in axial alignment with the distalsection 1802 of the stationary cover member 112, a distal end of themetallic ring 308 abutting a proximal face of a radially inwardlyextending lip 1808 at a distal end of the distal section 1802. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the metallic ring 308 comprises a coppermaterial and an electroplated surface.

In operation, the housing 102 is oriented with the proximal end 106 aupwards, and the distal end 106 b downward, aligned with the housing 102in a vertical position, such as shown in FIG. 1 . The proximal connector110 is rotatably removed, such that the mouthpiece 108 detaches from thehousing 102. A liquid solution 212, such as a flavored e-liquid, ispoured into the fluid chamber 213 to a desired level. Thereafter, themouthpiece is securely fastened to the inlet tube 208 in preparation foratomizing the liquid solution 212 into an inhalable mist, and/orvaporizing or evaporating the liquid solution into an inhalable vapor.

The housing 102 is held between the fingers, such as between the indexand middle fingers, with the proximal end 106 a of the housing 102oriented towards the user's mouth. The user wraps the lips around themouthpiece 108 and commences to draw in air. The unique resin plasticconfiguration of the mouthpiece 108, along with the heating elementsupport pipe 202 which insulates the heating wire subassemblies 206 a-b,help prevent the lips from burning. The air is drawn through the airinlet notch 1806 in the stationary cover member 112 of the distal cover111 into a distal region of the distal housing cavity 400, through thesensor and light board seal air passageways 2204 and into a proximalregion of the cavity 400, through the inlet seal air inlet passageways1300 and inlet seal outlet passageway 201 and into the wire support pipeair passageway 203, and finally through the outlet seal air passageway2103 and into the mouthpiece air passageway 502. Collectively, thedistal housing cavity 400 and the air passageways 2204, 1300, 201, 203,2103, and 502 thus define a device air passageway 109, indicated in FIG.2B, that extends throughout the interior of the device 100 from the airinlet notch 1806 to the proximal mouthpiece opening 503.

This creates air flow from the distal end 106 b to the proximal end 106a—and thereby an air pressure drop—in the interior volume of the housing102. When a pressure sensor/switch 1503 detects the air pressure drop,consequently actuating the battery 222 to generate electrical power upondetection of the air flow. The activated battery 222, which is connectedto each heating wire subassembly 206 a-b, results in at least one of theheating wires 300 a-b heating up sufficiently to atomize and/or vaporizeor evaporate the liquid solution 212 into an inhalable mist and/orvapor.

The power optimization electronic cigarette device 100 is configured tobe reusable for a limited number of refills through use of an easilyaccessible liquid refilling structure, before ultimately becomingdisposable. The electronic cigarette device 100 optimizes battery powerconsumption through use of multiple heating wires that can beselectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution. The pressuresensor/switch 1503 is adapted and configured to detect a pressure drop,resulting from air flow generated from a user inhaling through theelectronic cigarette device 100, and to trigger the heating wires 300a-b to generate heat, only when detecting a pressure drop that indicatesthat the electronic cigarette device 100 is in use. The selective use ofone heating wire, selected from two or more heating wires, serves toextend the life span thereof. In another power optimization function,the electronic cigarette device comprises a sensor and light boardassembly 306 that detects available battery power capacity, and anillumination member 1502 that variably illuminates to indicate theremaining power capacity of the battery.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understoodand appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing written specification, claims and appended drawings. Becausemany modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to thedescribed preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended thatall matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalence.

The foregoing description of the disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description and is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Thedescription was selected to best explain the principles of the presentteachings and practical application of these principles to enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure in various embodimentsand various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It should be recognized that the words “a” or “an” areintended to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, anyreference to plural elements shall, where appropriate, include thesingular.

It is intended that the scope of the disclosure not be limited by thespecification, but be defined by the claims set forth below. Inaddition, although narrow claims may be presented below, it should berecognized that the scope of this invention is much broader thanpresented by the claim(s). It is intended that broader claims will besubmitted in one or more applications that claim the benefit of priorityfrom this application. Insofar as the description above and theaccompanying drawings disclose additional subject matter that is notwithin the scope of the claim or claims below, the additional inventionsare not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or moreapplications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic cigarette device comprising amouthpiece at a proximal end of the device, the mouthpiece defining amouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece airpassageway and outlet opening adapted and configured to allow aninhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through themouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's mouth viathe outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through theoutlet opening; a housing, the housing defining a housing air passagewayextending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluidcommunication with the mouthpiece air passageway; an electrical system,the electrical system comprising a battery, a heating wire, and at leastone illumination member; the heating wire being adapted and configuredto produce heat when an electric current flows through the heating wire;the electrical system being adapted and configured to detect a chargelevel of he battery, and, when the device is in use, to: transmitelectric current from the battery to the heating wire to cause theheating wire to produce heat to heat a substance that is in fluidcommunication with the housing air passageway, so as to render airborneat least a portion of the substance, so as to produce said inhalablestream in the housing air passageway; when the detected charge level isno less than a first threshold charge level, transmit current from thebattery to the at least one illumination member so as to cause the atleast one illumination member to emit a first color of light; when thedetected charge level is less than the first threshold charge level andno less than a second threshold charge level, transmit current from thebattery to the at least one illumination member so as to cause the atleast one illumination member to emit a second color of light differentfrom the first color of light.
 2. The electronic cigarette device ofclaim 1, further comprising a liquid container, the liquid containerdefining a fluid chamber adapted and configured to contain an e-liquid,the liquid container defining at least one inlet hole in fluidcommunication with the fluid chamber and the housing air passageway topermit e-liquid in the fluid chamber to pass from the fluid chamber tothe housing air passageway, the heating wire being adapted andconfigured to atomize or vaporize at least a portion of the e-liquid inthe housing air passageway when the electric current transmitted to theheating wire by the electrical system flows through the heating wire. 3.The electronic cigarette device of claim 2, wherein the housingcomprises a proximal housing member connected to a distal housingmember, the liquid container comprising at least a portion of theproximal housing member.
 4. The electronic cigarette device of claim 3,wherein the illumination member is housed within a cavity defined by thedistal housing member, at least a portion of the proximal housing memberbeing transparent to allow light from the illumination member to bevisibly transmitted through the transparent portion when theillumination member emits the first color of light and when theillumination member emits the second color of light, so that a person ofordinary unaided vision can discern that the second color of lighttransmitted through the transparent portion is a different color oflight from the first color of light transmitted through the transparentportion.
 5. The electronic cigarette device of claim 3, wherein theproximal housing member is permanently connected to the distal housingmember, the distal housing member permanently housing the battery. 6.The electronic cigarette device of claim 1, wherein the electricalsystem further comprises a circuit board, the circuit board beingpermanently electrically wired to at least one terminal of the battery,and the circuit board being permanently electrically wired to theheating wire.
 7. An electronic cigarette device comprising a mouthpieceat a proximal end of the device, the mouthpiece defining a mouthpieceair passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway andoutlet opening adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream ofair and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via themouthpiece air passageway and into a user's oral cavity via the outletopening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outletopening; a housing, the housing defining a housing air passagewayextending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluidcommunication with the mouthpiece air passageway; a battery; a firstheating wire, the first heating wire being adapted and configured toproduce heat when electric current flows through the first heating wire,to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing airpassageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heatedbecomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing airpassageway; a second heating wire, the second heating wire being adaptedand configured to produce heat when electric current flows through thesecond heating wire, to heat a substance that is in fluid communicationwith the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of thesubstance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream inthe housing air passageway; a switch, the switch having a first switchposition and a second switch position, the switch being adapted andconfigured to, when in the first switch position, complete a firstcircuit to transmit current from the battery through the first heatingwire, and when in the second switch position, complete a second circuitto transmit current from the battery through the second heating wire; amanual switch actuator, the manual switch actuator being mounted to thehousing so as to be manually movable by a user to and from a firstswitch actuator position and a second switch actuator position, themanual switch actuator being operatively connected to the switch so asto cause the switch to move to the first switch position when the manualswitch actuator moves to the first switch actuator position and to causethe switch to move to the second switch position when the manual switchactuator moves to the second switch actuator position.
 8. The electroniccigarette device of claim further comprising a liquid container, theliquid container defining a fluid chamber adapted and configured tocontain an e-liquid, the liquid container defining at least one inlethole in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the housing airpassageway to permit e-liquid in the fluid chamber to pass from thefluid chamber to the housing air passageway, each of the first heatingwire and the second heating wire being adapted and configured to atomizeor vaporize at least a portion of the e-liquid in the housing airpassageway when the electric current transmitted to the heating wire bythe electrical system flows through the respective one of the firstheating wire and the second heating wire.
 9. The electronic cigarettedevice of claim 8, wherein the housing comprises a proximal housingmember connected to a distal housing member, the liquid containercomprising at least a portion of the proximal housing member.
 10. Theelectronic cigarette device of claim 9, wherein the proximal housingmember is permanently connected to the distal housing member, the distalhousing member permanently housing the battery.
 11. The electroniccigarette device of claim 7, further comprising a circuit board, thecircuit board being permanently electrically wired to at least oneterminal of the battery, and the circuit board being permanentlyelectrically wired to the first heating wire and to the second heatingwire,
 12. An electronic cigarette device comprising a mouthpiece at aproximal end of the device, the mouthpiece defining a mouthpiece airpassageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway andoutlet opening adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream ofair and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via themouthpiece air passageway and into a user's oral cavity via the outletopening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outletopening; a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housingcomprising a proximal housing member connected to a distal housingmember, the proximal housing member extending from the proximal end ofthe housing to the distal housing member, and the distal housing memberextending from the proximal housing member to the distal end of thehousing, the housing defining a housing air passageway extendingtherethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communicationwith the mouthpiece air passageway; a liquid container, the liquidcontainer defining a fluid chamber adapted and configured to contain ane-liquid, the liquid container defining at least one inlet hole in fluidcommunication with the fluid chamber and the housing air passageway topermit e-liquid in the fluid chamber to pass from the fluid chamber tothe housing air passageway, the liquid container comprising at least aportion of the proximal housing member; a heating wire, the heating wirebeing adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flowsthrough the heating wire; a rechargeable battery adapted and configuredto supply current to the heating wire to heat a substance that is influid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least aportion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce saidinhalable stream in the housing air passageway; a battery charging portdisposed within and exposed to the exterior of the housing, the batterycharging port being adapted and configured to receive a charging plug,the battery charging port being electrically connected to the battery totransmit a charging current from the charging plug to the battery torecharge the battery.
 13. The electronic cigarette device of claim 12,wherein the proximal housing member is permanently connected to thedistal housing member, the distal housing member permanently housing thebattery.
 14. The electronic cigarette device of claim 12, furthercomprising a circuit board, the circuit board being permanentlyelectrically wired to at least one terminal of the battery, and thecircuit board being permanently electrically wired to the heating wire.